•  Kenshiro Teraji 107.1 lbs vs. Anthony Olascuaga 106.9 lbs

(Teraji’s WBC & WBA Light Flyweight Titles— 12 Rounds)

•  Tenshin Nasukawa 122 lbs vs. Yuki Yonaha 121 3/4 lbs 
(Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Takuma Inoue 118 lbs vs. Liborio Solis 117 1/4 lbs
 (Vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Jin Sasaki 146.5 lbs vs. Keita Obara 146 3/4 lbs
 (Sasaki’s WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•    Kiko Martinez 125 1/4 lbs vs. Reiya Abe 125 3/4 lbs 
(IBF Featherweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

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About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

Jorge Chavez stopped Alberto Nieves in round five of their scheduled six-round featherweight contest.

In round five, Chavez dropped Nieves with a hard right to the body. Chavez went right back to the same area that put Nieves down again and the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Chavez, 125.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 6-0 with five knockouts. Nieves, 125.2 lbs of Aguadilla, PR is 4-3-1.

Grant Flores needed just 51 seconds to take out Terrance Jarmon in their scheduled four-round super welterweight fight.

In round one, Flores put Jarmon down with a hard flurry and he did not get up at the count of 10.

Flores, 150.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Jarmon, 152.9 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 3-4.

Daniel Garcia remained undefeated by stopping Aldimar Silva in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Silva with a left hook to the body and the fight was waved off at 2:14.

Garcia, 130.6 lbs of Westminster, CA is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Silva, 129.4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 22-23.

Leonardo Sanchez remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Mychaquell Shields in a four-round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Sanchez was bleeding from his nose. In round two, Shields was deducted a point for holding. Later in the round, Sanchez dumped Shields on the canvas with a left hook and the bout was stopped at 2:33.

Sanchez, 129.6 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Shields, 130 lbs of San Diego, CA is 0-2.

PHILADELPHIA (April 6, 2023)–Weights for Friday night’s King’s Promotions card at the 2300 Arena

Photo by Marc Abrams / King’s Promotions

James Martin 153.3 – Roudly Lolo 152.1

Kamil Bednarek 166.2 – Gonzalo Andreasen 162.5

Quaidir Albright 146.6 – David Thomas 145.7

Ibrahim Robinson 145.6 – Jahqwon Humbert 145

Ali Ellis 217 – Khalid Betha 207.4

Promoter: King’s Promotions

Venue: 2300 Arena

1st Bell: 7:15 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets are $150, $100 and $75 and can be Purchased at The Following Link:

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=447

BROOKS, Calif. – April 6, 2023 – Super lightweight prospect Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs), from Queens, N.Y., and undefeated Mexican prospect Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif. in the first of back-to-back nights of live boxing on the network.

The co-feature pits undefeated New York super welterweight Jahyae Brown (13-0, 9 KOs) and intriguing Argentine prospect Guido Schramm in a 10-round contest. Plus, Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic faces Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout that opens the telecast.

In night two of the live boxing doubleheader that features both the stars of today and the future champions of tomorrow, undefeated super welterweight sensation and SHOBOX^® alum Sebastian Fundora defends his title against rising contender Brian Mendoza in the main eventlive on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® Saturday night at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Plus, episode two of the Emmy^®-winning series ALL ACCESS previewing the battle between undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten boxing sensation “King” Ryan Garcia premieres tomorrow night at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT immediately preceding SHOBOX.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call Friday night’s blow-by-blow action alongside former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez with another Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining remotely as the unofficial scorer. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Shinard Bunch – 140 pounds

Bryan Flores – 139.6 pounds

Referee: David Hartman; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Jahyae Brown – 153.2 pounds

Guido Schramm – 153.7 pounds

Referee: Michael Margado; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight Eight-Round Bout

Raul Garcia – 155.8 pounds

Robert Terry – 155.5 pounds

Referee: Edward Collantes; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Note: Contracted weight is 156 pounds.

FINAL QUOTES:

SHINARD BUNCH

“Everything happens for a reason. A couple of years ago, I didn’t get the decision against Janelson Bocachica, although I felt I deserved it. Now I’m here.

“I’ve fought at 147 and 140. When I was at welterweight, I didn’t think I could be a 140-pounder, but Chino [Raul Rivas] pushed me and we made it happen. I felt good. I felt things were easier at this weight and that’s why we are fighting at 140 now.

“I don’t watch a lot of film because I don’t want to overthink. I let my trainer watch tape and come up with a gameplan for me.

“I felt that at the beginning of my career I could have trained better. As I’m growing as a boxer, my training has grown as well. I’ve been with Chino about three years now and we are taking everything very seriously. After this fight, I’d like to be in the top 10 of the division.

“This is the next step of my career. I think I may be three or four fights away from a title shot if I do things right.

“I’m going in there to box all ten rounds, but my opponent’s been down a few times. So don’t be surprised if the fight ends early.

“And yes, my middle name is actually Showtime. My mom said she knew I was going to be a star one day and she needed to name me appropriately.

“I’m in a very hot division. There’s a lot of talent at 140. I’m willing to fight anybody. I want to keep on learning. Keep on growing. I’d like to fight fighters with different styles. I can always learn something new and excel. I’d like to fight the best, whoever is at the top. I definitely see myself growing into the best boxer I can be.”

BRYAN FLORES

“Three fights ago, I had a tough test against Nestor Maidana. I was knocked down three times, but I ended up winning with a KO. In that fight I learned a lot. I realized that I made mistakes in my preparation. It was really hard to make 135 pounds so that’s why I’m moving up.

“I’ve been training with Ismael Salas for over a year. I’m in Las Vegas during training camp and come back home to Mexico when I’m not fighting.

“I’m an aggressive-minded fighter. I have a Mexican style. With my trainer, Salas, I’ve learned to control the distance and fight smarter. But when I get hit, I get all fired up. I get mad and that fuels me.

“My opponent is a strong guy. We have similar records. He hasn’t faced a guy like me, and I haven’t faced a guy like him before. It’ll be a really good fight. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m not about to let it go by.

“The amateur system helped me a lot. I’ve been traveling since I was 14. I was in the Mexican national team. All this experience really helped me as a pro.”

JAHYAE BROWN

“I’m from upstate New York but I train under Dwight Yarde in Las Vegas. He’s helped me to get to a different level. I’m a good student and I’m ready to step up to the challenge. I have the edge. I’m taller, I have a longer reach. I’m going to take control of the fight and stop him in the later rounds.

“I’ve been preparing with Shinard Bunch and Vito Mielnicki, Jr., in Las Vegas. I also sparred with Jallil Hackett, who’s a 175-pounder. I did well.  I’m ready for whatever my opponent brings to the table. I know that he moves a lot and he can be tricky at times.

“I come from a different background. I played football. I grew up in a tough part of town. I would fight with my cousins, my siblings. We went to a boxing gym and I just fell in love with it.

“I push myself. I trained very hard and follow my coach’s advice. I do as I’m told. He knows what he’s doing. He’s trained Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis. I’m glad he is in my corner.”

GUIDO SCHRAMM

“We found out a week ago that we’d be fighting on SHOBOX on April 7. We had actually been training for a different fight on the 8^th until this opportunity came along. Fortunately, we were able to work it out and make it happen. Things can change day to day in boxing and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on TV in the United States and showcase my skills.

“When it’s time to box, I’ll box. When it’s time to brawl, I’ll brawl. Whatever it takes when I’m in the ring. I’ll adjust to whatever is coming and I’ll take it from there.

“I have the experience edge, and I’ve been sparring with a lot of elite fighters. So I feel prepared and hope everything goes my way this weekend.”

RAUL GARCIA

“The Dominican Republic is producing a lot of champs and I’d like to add my name to that list one day. Seeing Alberto Puello, Carlos Adames, Hector Luis Garcia succeed in their boxing careers truly inspires me to work hard and change my life.

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. I listen to the instructions of my corner, and just get things done. They call me ‘el domador’ [the lion tamer]. I’m not afraid of anything. My opponent, whose nickname is ‘Tiger,’ should watch out. I’ve tamed all sorts of cats.

“This is my first fight with Bob Santos. We’ve worked on my ring IQ, technique and boxing strategy.”

ROBERT TERRY

“I’m still shocked. It’s a huge deal for me to fight on SHOBOX and I’m excited. It came suddenly and when we got the call, I was super excited. This is what we’ve been working for and we want to show everybody what we’re capable of. I needed a chance, and this is it.

“I expect my opponent to come with his A-game and fully prepared. He has a lot of knockouts and I expect him to come strong and ready, but this is what we’ve worked and prepared for.

“I’ve always pictured, in my mind, performing on a big stage like this. So during my three-year layoff, I never doubted that I’d fight again.

“I’m going to feed off the lights and the cameras and all the energy that this type of fight is going to bring. I know that everyone is going to be tuned in. I’ve got a lot of people watching and I’m going to feed off of their support.

“I started getting knockouts as my opponents got better. The better my opponents have been, the more I’ve progressed. Them being better has made me have to be better.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #SHOBOX, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME Boxing^® series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX^® philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 88 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., La, ont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

INDIO, CA (April 6, 2023) – Returning to the fight stage as a headliner for the second time of 2023, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (22-1, 14 KOs) will defend his NABO Welterweight title for the third time against Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs). The 12-round welterweight fight, which was originally scheduled for last January, will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Tickets for Rocha versus Young are on-sale now and are priced at $95, $75, $55, $45 and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

“I’m back in the ring on May 27 and I’m looking forward to staying busy,” said Alexis Rocha. “I can’t wait to put on another great performance for all those in Southern California who make the trip to Fantasy Springs, but also for all of my fans who tune in on DAZN. Anthony Young is familiar to me because I was preparing to face him in my last fight before he was injured.  I’ll be ready for this fight and my focus is to end this early with another big knockout for my fans.” 

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to perform on this platform,” said Anthony Young. “With the strength of Allah we are going to shock the world twice!”

“As he showed last time out, Rocha is an absolute beast who is more than deserving of a title shot in the welterweight division,’ said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “But Anthony Young is the real deal who has knocked off a Golden Boy fighter in the past. Rocha needs to use his power to get rid of Young early and move on to the next step of his career.”

Media interested in applying for a media credential can visit https://bit.ly/5_27RochaYoung. Credential applications are due EOD May 22. 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a respected fight family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at 14-years-old in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made an electrifying professional debut in March 2016, knocking out Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. His only career blemish is an unanimous decision loss in October 2021 against Rashidi Ellis, in which he confidently came back with six consecutive wins. Rocha locked in the NABO Welterweight title in an unanimous decision victory against Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron in July 2022 on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, which he has successfully defended against Jesus “Ricky” Perez in October 2022 and George Ashie in January 2023. 

Anthony “Juice” Young represents Atlantic City, New Jersey. He made his professional debut at 23-years-old on October 28, 2011 against Kywayne Hill, winning by unanimous decision. With only two blemishes on his early career resume, he has had a string of wins, including a stunning upset of former WBO junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali via third-round knockout on the May 2019 Alvarez vs. Jacobs undercard in Las Vegas. Since then, he has fought victoriously three times, the last being a unanimous decision win over Jose Zaragoza in October 2022. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round NABO Welterweight Fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The fight is sponsored by Betonline, “BetOnline, Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and Autozone, “Get in the Zone, AutoZone.” The fight night will take place on Saturday, May 27, live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #RochaYoung

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Charlotte, North Carolina for the first time since 2018 with an all-action main event between heavyweight finishers as No. 9 ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik aims to land another signature KO when he takes on surging No. 12 contender Jailton Almeida. Also on the card, No. 5 ranked light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith faces No. 7 Johnny Walker in a bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA will take place Saturday, May 13 at Spectrum Center. The main card will air on ABC and ESPN Deportes kicking off at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, with the prelims airing on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT. The entire card will be simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+. The same ESPN+ English audio call will also be available on SiriusXM Fight Nation (Channel 156).

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA tickets will go on sale Friday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 6 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA fight week credentials may sign up here.

Heavyweight knockout artist Rozenstruik (13-4, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) intends on making his first bout of 2023 a memorable one. A former professional kickboxer with 12 of his 13 MMA wins coming via KO, he holds emphatic victories over former UFC heavyweight champions Junior Dos Santos and Andrei Arlovski, as well as Alistair Overeem. Rozenstruik now seeks to halt Almeida’s climb up the rankings and make a run towards the title.

Almeida (18-2, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) is considered by many to be among the top prospects in the UFC today. A freak athlete who has never had a victory go to the judges, Almeida burst onto the scene with decisive wins over Danilo Marques, Parker Porter and Shamil Abdurakhimov. He now looks to maintain his undefeated UFC record in the most important bout of his MMA career.

Fan favorite Smith (36-17, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) returns to the Octagon looking to secure another highlight reel finish. The owner of an impressive 94 percent finishing rate, Smith has cemented himself as one of the most entertaining athletes on the UFC roster with stoppages of Rashad Evans, Mauricio Rua and Alexander Gustafsson. He now aims to add to his notable resume by taking out Walker.

Walker (20-7, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) plans to continue his momentum with another explosive performance. With 16 KOs and three submissions to his name, Walker holds his own extraordinary finishing rate of 95 percent, which includes a remarkable 17 first-round finishes. He now has his sights set on making it another quick night in the Octagon and ascend past Smith in the rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• An intriguing welterweight matchup sees Ian Machado Garry (11-0, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) take on his toughest test yet in Daniel Rodriguez (17-3, fighting out of San Gabriel, Calif.)
• No. 7 ranked women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern (12-3, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) tests her submission skills against No. 13 Angela Hill (15-12, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• Carlos Ulberg (8-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) and Ihor Potieria (20-3, fighting out of Kiev, Ukraine) clash in a light heavyweight bout
• Veterans Tim Means (32-14-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Alex Morono (22-8 1NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) aim to put on a show at welterweight
• The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 winner Bryan Battle (9-2, fighting out of Matthews, N.C.) returns to action against Gabe Green (11-4, fighting out of Downey, Calif.) at welterweight
• Another welterweight battle sees Matt Brown (25-19, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) lock horns with Court McGee (22-11, fighting out of Orem, Utah)
• Cody Stamann (21-5-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) and Douglas Silva De Andrade (28-5 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil) face off in a bantamweight tilt
• Jessica-Rose Clark (11-8 1NC, fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) plans to spoil the UFC debut of Tainara Lisboa (5-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Flyweights Ji Yeon Kim (9-6-2, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) and Mandy Bohm (7-2 1 NC, fighting out of Gelsenkirchen, Germany) look to make a statement

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Hornets Sports & Entertainment

Hornets Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm and Hornets Venom GT, and operates Charlotte’s Spectrum Center.  The Charlotte Hornets are a member of the NBA’s Southeast Division.  Owned by NBA Legend Michael Jordan, the Hornets organization strives to deliver a relentless attack on the court, an unmatched experience in the stands and a positive impact throughout the community.  The name of the city’s original NBA team from 1988-2002, the Hornets moniker returned to Charlotte in May 2014, uniting the rich history of NBA basketball in the Carolinas.  The Greensboro Swarm are the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets and play at the Novant Health Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.  Hornets Venom GT is the organization’s esports team affiliate that joined the NBA 2K League in 2020.  Spectrum Center is the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, hosting over 150 sporting events, concerts and family shows annually.  For more information, please visit hornets.com, gsoswarm.com, HornetsVenomGT.com or spectrumcentercharlotte.com.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

CARSON, CALIF – April 6, 2023 – Three showdowns featuring a former two-division world champion, a two-time Olympian, an unbeaten heavyweight contender and more will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation  this Saturday, April 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Undefeated welterweight Gabriel Maestre will meet former welterweight and super lightweight champion Devon Alexander “The Great” in a 10-round matchup that tops action live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The lineup kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

Also featured on the live stream will be super featherweights Adrian Corona and Jerry Perez in an eight-round super featherweight duel and the return of unbeaten heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez in an eight-round bout against Daniel Martz.

The live stream will precede a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader topped by undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battling rugged contender Brian Mendoza in defense of Fundora’s Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (4-0-1, 3 KOs) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 36-year-old made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before most recently fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw last March. He takes on St. Louis, Missouri’s Alexander (27-7-1, 14 KOs), who returns to the ring for the first time since dropping an August 2021 clash to Luke Santamaria that saw Alexander fight through an early bicep injury to go the distance. A former two-division champion, Alexander owns impressive victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Randall Bailey, among others.

Fighting out of Rialto, California, Corona (9-1-1, 2 KOs) will look to bounce back after suffering his first career pro defeat to the unbeaten Pedro Valencia last August. The 23-year-old had been unbeaten across his first 10  fights after turning pro in 2018. He will face the 30-year-old Perez (14-2, 11 KOs), who trains alongside four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and his family. A native of Harbor City, California, Perez’s only two pro blemishes have come against top lightweight contenders Frank Martin and Michel Rivera.

An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (21-0, 14 KOs) now trains in California with renowned trainer Joe Goossen. The 30-year-old caught the heavyweight division’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Sanchez’s 2022 saw him earn a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer and a TKO of Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron. He will be opposed by Clarksburg, West Virginia’s Martz (20-10-1, 17 KOs), who most recently lost to unbeaten Fabio Wardley in February 2022 and who has challenged former champions Charles Martin and Joseph Parker in a career that dates back to 2012.

The non-televised undercard will be highlighted by flyweight prospect Gabriela Fundora (10-0, 4 KOs), the younger sister of headliner Sebastian, in an eight-round showdown taking on Maria Santizo (11-2, 6 KOs), the return of heavyweight fan-favorite Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-7-1, 33 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Matthew McKinney (13-6-3, 9 KOs), lightweight Viktor Slavinskyi (13-2-1, 6 KOs) taking on Dallas’ Juan Lopez (17-13-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round fight and unbeaten super featherweight Gabriel Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) battling Florida’s Marco Diaz (6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round attraction.

Rounding out the lineup is heavyweight prospect Federico Pacheco Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) matching up against Los Angeles’ Felipe Torres (0-1) in a four-round duel, super featherweight prospect Dorian Khan Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round tussle against California’s Ezra Rabin (1-1, 1 KO) and the pro debut of super featherweight Justin Villoria in a four-round bout with Arkansas’ Sirdarious Smith (0-1). 

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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. MENDOZA

Fundora vs. Mendoza will see undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis  Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraMendoza, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

STOCKTON, Calif. (April 5, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the May 13 championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr., in an eight-round lightweight battle.
 

Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao joins the undercard action in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action for the first time since dropping a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last September. His only other loss came against former two-division champion Oscar Valdez.

Top Rank presented by AutoZone will be live this Saturday, April 8, at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The tripleheader features a WBC lightweight title eliminator, a heavyweight clash, and a lightweight battle. The event takes place at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

In the 12-round main event, undefeated former two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson will take on Japanese puncher Shuichiro Yoshino in a WBC lightweight title eliminator.

Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs), a former featherweight and junior lightweight world champion, returns to his hometown following last September’s triumph against Robson Conceição. The stubborn Conceição lasted the distance, but Stevenson dominated in front of 10,107 fans at Prudential Center. Stevenson won the WBO junior lightweight title with a 10th-round knockout over Jamel Herring in October 2021, then unified the division with a stirring 12-round display over WBC king Oscar Valdez the following April. Those victories propelled Stevenson, a 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, to the top 10 of most pound-for-pound lists. He now sets his sights on a third weight class and a spot atop the pound-for-pound throne.

Yoshino (16-0, 12 KOs), the WBC’s No. 5 contender, is a former Japanese lightweight champion who compiled a 104-20 amateur record. After seven defenses of his Japanese title, Yoshino rose in the rankings following a banner 2022. Last April, he won a bloody technical decision over former world champion Masayuki Ito after Ito suffered a cut over his left eye. He followed up the Ito triumph in November with a sixth-round stoppage over Masayoshi Nakatani, best known to fans for his stands against Teófimo López and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Yoshino has never fought away from Japan and hopes to spoil Stevenson’s homecoming.

The 10-round co-feature will be a heavyweight clash between Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson and unbeaten George Arias.

Anderson (13-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, has notched five consecutive second-round stoppages, including a demolition of the normally durable Jerry Forrest last December. Anderson received international headlines for his work as Tyson Fury’s chief sparring partner, but he’s now forging his own path as boxing’s most decorated young heavyweight.

Arias (18-0, 7 KOs), from the Dominican Republic, began his pro career in 2014 and has toppled seven unbeaten fighters in his ascension to contender status. Arias continued that trend in his previous two fights, defeating Cassius Chaney and Alante Green by split decision.

The lightweight opener will be a ten-round clash between U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis and former Swedish Olympian and world title challenger Anthony Yigit.

In his most recent outing, Davis (7-0, 5 KOs), the 23-year-old standout from Norfolk, VA, dominated former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos. Yigit (26-2-1, 10 KOs), the 31-year-old Swedish contender, represented his homeland at the 2012 Olympics, and as a lightweight has knocked out his last two opponents.

The undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. as analyst; Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters.

ESPN.com

Out Friday: Eight title fights and Shakur Stevenson: Why boxing on Saturday is must-see.

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Stevenson vs. Yoshino (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Network
Event
Fights
Thu., Apr 6
12 noon
ESPN+

Top Rank Press Conference

Fri., Apr. 7
12 noon
ESPN+

Live Weigh-In

Sat., Apr 8
10 p.m.
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ (simulcast)
Main
Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino
Co-Feature
Jared Anderson vs. George Arias
Special Feature
Keyshawn Davis vs. Anthony Yigit
7 p.m.
ESPN+
Feature
Damian Knyba vs. Curtis Harper
Undercard
Bruce Carrington vs. Brandon Chambers
Undercard
Roy Barringer vs. Troy Isley
Undercard
Kelvin Davis vs. Nelson Morales
Undercard
Antoine Cobb vs. Jaylan Phillips

About ESPN

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About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

April 4, 2023, Mexico City, MX  – –  In the main event on Wednesday April 5, in Mexico City, heavy-handed Carlos Sanchez will attempt to take the “0” away from undefeated Alexander Duran in a ten-round junior lightweight bout. The six-round co-feature is a battle for Mexico City bragging rights between hometown bantamweights Brandon Reyes and Abraham Arreola. The card will be streamed live on ProBox TV beginning at 9 pm ET.

The event is being promoted by Marquez Promotions, Chiquita Gonzalez Promotions and ProBox Promotions.

WHERE TO WATCH, beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

1. ProBoxTV.com

2. All App Stores, Search PROBOX TV

3. Also available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV or Apple TV

10 Rounds Jr. Welterweights

Carlos “Tiburon” Sanchez_____vs____________Alexander Duran

Baja California, Mexico___________________Panama City, Panama

23-1, 19 KOs___________________________________21-0, 7 KOs

142.6 lbs._______________________________________ 144.2 lbs

Carlos “El Tiburon” Sanchez, 23-1-19 KOs, was born and raised in Baja California, Mexico.  He was in Juan Manuel Marquez’ camp helping him train for Tim Bradley. The tenty-seven-year-old made his pro debut in 2016. His first eight bouts were stoppage victories then one decision win the eight more won by stoppage. His sole loss came in March 2022 against Pedro Campa, which vaulted Campa to a match against Teofimo Lopez. Carlos got back on the winning track in October with a seventh round knockout win.

Carlos Sanchez: “I know my opponent in a lefty and likes to fight from a distance. My last opponent was also lefty and I finished that in the 7th. I hit with both hands but because he is lefty my right will be most important. My plan is to connect the punches – start with the body then go to the head. I’ll have to go to the body to overcome his reach advantage. If he comes with pressure it will make me work harder otherwise I will feel him out. I prepared to the high altitude by working real hard and running and high intensity trainiing. I got the call couple weeks ago for this particular fight but had been training for a couple months. The work I have done in training has prepared me for the win. I am sure of my preparedness but not overconfident. In the loss to Campa I hurt my arm – I threw a punch and my forearm hit his head and broke the radius – tunred out it was a stress fracture and they had to stop it in the 3rd. I’m very excited to fight in Mexico City and my one-year-old daughter will be ringside to watch.”

Alexander Duran, 21-0-7 KOs, born and raised in Panama City, Panama. The 30-year-old made pro debut in 2011. On May 4, 2018 won the IBF Latino Super Lightweight title with a 4th round TKO. In His next fight, on November 27, 2018, he won the IBA World Super Lightweight title with undanimous decision win over Adrian Estrella. Duran has three children.

Duran: “I have been training 3 months for this fight. I trained on Boquete mountain to prepare for the high altitude. I know Sanchez is a good fighter and I prepared for a good fight. I prepared on everything but focused on speed and strength. I sparred 12 sessions of 4 rounds while in Panama. I can’t tell you exactly what I’m going to do but i want to look good and put on a good fight. I do my talking in the ring. I’ve had probelms getting fights over the past few years but now I have support and that’s why i am fighting now. Over that time I continued to stay inthe gym and train and be ready, therefore I have had no problems with rust and no weight problems. I also did pool training with my brother who is a physical trainer.” 

6 Rounds Bantamweights

Brandon “King” Reyes_______vs____________Abraham Arreola 

Mexico City, Mexico________________________Mexico City, Mexico

6-0-1, 2 KOs_____________________________________5-2-4 KO

118 lbs._________________________________________117.3 lbs 

Brandon “King” Reyes, (6-0-1, 2 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, won the first six fights of his pro career. His last bout, against rugged veteran Luis Castro, was Reye’ toughest opponent to date and it ended in a majority draw. He has been training with Nacho Berestain for eight years.

Brandon: “I was inactive for two years due to lack of support. I kept training but could get no fights. Many times I would be ready then the fight would cancel last minute. I know it’s not good being inactive. There are more than sixty fighters in the gym all looking for fights. I knew I I knew I had to stay focused and be ready because eventually the time would come. Now the Marquez brothers are looking out for me. My last fight I thought I won the fight. The judges obviously saw some other stuff so I had to go back into the gym and improve. I learned that I cannot leave the fight in the judges hands. I don’t know much about Arreola I will just do the work from what we practiced in the gym. My LEFT HOOK is my biggest punch – I like to take my time and jab and wait for the right moment, so I’m more of a boxer in that way. When I get too excited i just throw punches so I have to watch that. My mom and dad and my big sister will all be at ringside.”

Abraham Arreola (5-2, 4 KOs) is from Mexico City, Mexico. The 20-year-old made his pro debut on May 28, 2021 and won his first three fights by TKO stoppages. His last fight was a draw.       

Arreola: – “We worked on speed and physical condition and plan to implement everything we woked on to get the win. Don’t know much about my opponent at all. My style is a little bit of everything and I consider myself a boxer-puncher and my best and biggest punch is my overhand left. The last fight was a draw – they stole the fight from me. I have to look for the KO and not leave it in judges hands – lesson learned. My whole family will be at ringside to watch me.”

10 Rounds Lightweights

Eduardo “Lalo” Martinez______vs_________Rogaciano Guerrero

Mexico, Mexico___________________________Guerrero, Mexico

10-1-7 KOs___________________________________ 6-2-1, 5 KOs

152.1 lbs.________________________________________152.1 lbs 

Eduardo “Lalo” Martinez, (10-1, 7 KOs) is a southpaw and fights out of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. He began his pro career in September 2019 and won his first six bouts by knockout. He then lost a bout by a razor thin, majority decision. Eduardo is currently on a four-fight win streak.

Guerrero just added as new opponent.

Eduardo – It’s complicated not knowing if I am going to fight or not three days before the fight. I have to watch what I eat and dring because I have to be ready. Having a fight fall thru can happen to anyone so I can’t be mad. I’ve been preparing for over a month for a Napoles fight. My dad will be in my corner. My family and friends will all be at the fight. My only loss was a very close fight against a guy with a lot of experience. I had only been fighting 4 & 6 round fights and he was fighting 8 round fights. I learned ring maturity in that fight. I had to reorganize my strategy to be able to adjust for anything. I cannot prepare for a specific strategy.

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LOS ANGELES (April 4, 2023) – One of boxing’s most entertaining fighters, Neeco “Rooster” Macias (17-2, 10 KOs), returns to the ring this Friday night (Apr. 7) after his four-year retirement against Ramon “Nino de Oro” Ayala (25-7-1, 13 KOs) in the eight-round co-featured event at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Presented by Toro Promotions Inc. in association with Whitfield Haydon, the card’s 10-round main event in the state-of-the-art EQC Event Center, starting at 8 p.m. PT, is a compelling showdown for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedebol Featherweight Championship between Mexican fan friendly, upset specialist Angel Antonio “Cachorro” Contreras (15-5-2, 7KOs) and dangerous Brandon Valdes (14-3, 7 KOs), of Colombia.

Macias rapidly became a boxing cult hero from Tehachapi, California, winning his first 15 fights between 2013 and 2018, displaying a non-stop, attack-mode from the opening bell to the end of his fight. He lost his last two fights and decided to retire as a boxer, but Macais found a new calling as the operator of MBT Gym in Tehachapi, where he trains people and spars.

“I retired four years ago,’ he explained. “Why? It’s complicated. I had a tough fight with Jesus Soto Karass (28-13-4), which wasn’t the problem. I lasted 10 rounds (lost a 10-round decision by scores of 96-94, 97-93, 95-95) against a top fighter. (The two fighters completely shattered CompuBox punch records.) Then, I fought a good fighter who is now my buddy, Jeremy Ramos (10-6). Golden Boy had me on a special contract. Before the fight, the rounds were changed from 10 to 8, I got paid $15,000 less, and they took the decision (lost an 8-round split decision: 77-75, 75-77, 74-78) away from me. Jeremy is a super cool guy. We had an eight-round war. When the scores were announced, his face was lumped up and I didn’t have a scratch, just a smile. I think Golden Boy wanted to get rid of me. I accepted it as part of my boxing destiny.”

“Rooster” started sparring and fell in love with boxing and the gym again. He had agreed to fight on a show in Bakersfield (CA) on April 29th, convinced that this fight was part of his destiny. Every weekend he takes care of his niece, Mia May Macias, and he decided to make a comeback so she could see him fight. She would turn seven and be Neeco’s No. 1 fan. A perfect birthday present except that the Bakersfield show wasn’t on solid ground and then Macias’ promoter, Whit Haydon, called saying he had an opportunity of a lifetime for “Rooster,” a fight April 7th against a 25-7 opponent.

“Rooster” Macias (3rd in from left) is shown here with his sparring partners

“I had been sparring (WBC Interim Super Welterweight World Champion) Sebastian Fundoro (20-0-1, 13 KOs) for his title fight April 8 against (Brian) Mendoza on Showtime (in Carson, CA),” Macias explained. “The stars were aligned; God spoke to me. I took the fight and I’m ready. I’m fighting for my niece’s 7th birthday, but she can’t see the fight because it’s a 21-and-older show. I’m in it to win it. I’ll make here a YouTube video of my victory this weekend.

“My (32nd) birthday is April 22nd and I’m inviting everybody to my house to watch Tank-Garcia. No presents, I just want everybody to checkout this fight and enjoy a barbecue.”

Friday night, “Rooster” is matched against Ayala, a typically tough Mexican fighter who is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World super middleweight titleholder.

Macias isn’t concerned with his inactivity, to the contrary: “I’m stronger than ever. I learned to rest to perform better. I gave my whole body a rest. I’m taking this as one fight. After April 7th, questions about my fighting future will be answered. Training camp is over and I’m on weight.

“Fans are still going to see the same ‘Rooster.’ I started boxing at 20 and fell in love with the amateur style for three rounds. This is eight rounds, but I fight the same way for 10. I’m excited. There are going to be fireworks. We are going to steal the show!”

Macias comes out as the “Rooster,” crowing ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ and captivating the hearts and minds of boxing fans again.

The undercard showcases regional and local boxers in competitive matches. Phoenix heavyweight prospects Dante Stone(11-1, 9 KO) takes on undefeated Detrailous Webster (5-0, 2 KO), of Courtland, Mississippi, in a six-rounder, while undefeated Washington super welterweight Jon Bryant (6-0, 2 KO) faces Timothy Parks (5-3-1, 4 KO), of San Diego.

Three four-round bouts open the evening as Rounding out the card will be a trio of four-round bouts including pro-debuting super lightweight Josue Cadena from nearby Auburn vs. Montana’s Jayden Salway (0-1-1), Wapato (WA) super lightweight Margarito Hernandez (3-5-1. 0 KOs) vs. Michael Portales (2-1-1, 1 KO), of Hayward, CA, and Mexico-native Dario Guerrero-Meneses (1-5-1, 0 KOs), fighting out of Long Beach (CA), vs. Alejandro Avalos (0-1), of San Antonio.

Card subject to change.

Tickets for the event are priced at $100.00, $60.00, and $40.00, and may be purchased by calling (253) 594-7777 or at www.Emeraldqueen.com.

NEW YORK (April 4, 2023)-Split-T Management has signed Czarina McCoy.

McCoy will be managed by Brian Cohen of Empire Boxing.

“I am super excited to work with Brian and Split-T. We have been talking since I turned professional, but my dad wanted to work independently at first. We felt at this time, it is the right time to work with Brian as I know he can help me get to the next level,” said McCoy

“If all negotiations in boxing would be as smooth as this, then boxing would be a better place. Mr McCoy and Czarina are amazing. As a father myself, the way Mr. McCoy has helped his daughter, is beyond commendable. As her mother passed on when she was a child, Mr McCoy has raised a smart, gifted, talented young lady. I’m excited to see what Czarino is going to accomplish in this new journey in her boxing career,” said Brian Cohen.

McCoy, 22 years-old of Las Vegas is 11-1 with three knockouts.

McCoy began boxing at the age of 11 as she actually walked into the wrong gym.

“My father was taking me to start gymnastics and we walked into a gym where they were boxing. When I saw that, I wanted to leave but Richard Steele started talking to us and asked If I could fight, and I said yes. I gave it a try and never left,” said McCoy.

That spawned an amateur career that saw McCoy go 36-4 and become a five-time National champion. She captured Junior Olympics, USA Boxing, Western Qualifiers, National PAL and Adidas titles.

McCoy considers herself a boxer-puncher, but is adaptable to every style.

McCoy has won several titles, including the WIBA Youth Super Flyweight, ABF Intercontinental Featherweight, UBO and WIBA World Lightweight and UBO World Super Lightweight titles.

“I am ready for the big fights. I am ready for these bigger opportunities and compete for these bigger titles. I am looking forward to getting back in the ring in the next month or so.

McCoy is a throwback fighter who is looking to win titles in many weight classes. “I can fight anywhere from 118 to 140 lbs, and I can see myself winning world titles in those weight classes. I like the idea of moving up and down in weight. I don’t want to settle in one weight class. I am influenced by Manny Pacquiao and you see how many weight classes he became champion in.

McCoy is trained by “Bullett” Cromwell Gordon.

London, England – (April 4th, 2023) – A seismic showdown on the south coast seafront is set for Saturday, May 27, when cruiserweight rivals Lawrence ‘The Sauce’ Okolie (19-0, 14 KO’s) and Chris ‘The Gentleman’ Billam-Smith (17-1, 12 KO’s) will square off in a world championship title clash, live and exclusively in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

The biggest boxing event ever to take place on the south coast will be staged in Bournemouth’s biggest venue: the Vitality Stadium, home to Billam-Smith’s beloved Premier League football team, AFC Bournemouth.

A press conference was staged at the historic Landmark Hotel in London on Tuesday, April 4 to formally announce the event, with both fighters then due to attend the Vitality Stadium later in the evening to stage their first face-off on the pitch at half time during AFC Bournemouth’s home clash against rivals Brighton. 

Londoner Okolie has held the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship since his March 2021 stoppage win over Krzysztof G?owacki. Since then he has made three successful defences – most recently handing New Zealand champion David Light the first loss of his professional career in last month’s Manchester encounter.

During his reign, Okolie has watched as a band of bonafide cruiserweight contenders has emerged, all of whom are signed to the BOXXER stable and compete exclusively on Sky Sports: Bournemouth’s Billam-Smith and London’s Richard Riakporhe and Mikael Lawal are all homegrown talents who have their eyes on his crown. 

Training under Shane McGuigan – several times ‘Boxing Trainer of the Year’ among numerous sports publications – Billam-Smith has climbed the ranks steadily, winning first the Commonwealth Cruiserweight Championship and then the European Cruiserweight Championship to build a solid platform for this world title shot.

And his army of fans now extends well outside of his beloved Bournemouth thanks to his all-action fighting style: his clash with Isaac Chamberlain in July last year was hailed as a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender at the British Boxing Board of Control Annual Awards and became an instant classic for fight fans across the country and around the world.

But Billam-Smith, who has fought in front of two sold-out crowds already in Bournemouth, will need more than sheer force to take the world title from Okolie, one of the most scientific boxers the cruiserweight division has ever seen. Okolie’s precise, measured fighting style and watertight defence has kept him undefeated – and the belt around his waist.

“I’m pumped, I’m ready to go. I’ve just come off a successful defence where I won all 12 rounds against an unknown but tough competitor, a national champion in his homeland. Now weeks later I am going in against a known tough boxer, the highly-ranked former European champion and current Commonwealth champion Chris Billam-Smith,” said Okolie. 

“Not many fighters make back to back defences in such a short space of time. Not many pick the hardest fights available to them, but that’s what I’m about. Chris – I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one.”

Billam-Smith commented, “Fighting someone I know well for a world title is a very exciting opportunity. I’m elated to be fighting at the home of my beloved AFC Bournemouth in front of my phenomenal fans and on May 27th I will repay them by winning a world title.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said, “I’m not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that this is going to be one of the best events of the year. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket for the previous Bournemouth events, you’ll know the fans and the atmosphere are off the charts.

“For Chris Billam-Smith this is a dream come true. To fight for the world title in his hometown, in his football team’s stadium, in front of a sold-out crowd cheering him on…it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

“But Lawrence Okolie is a fighting champion. He had no hesitation in taking the fight in Bournemouth. He’s ice cold. He is undefeated. And he’s certainly not bothered about the crowd being against him. In fact that just sweetens the deal for him.

“With a stacked card, this will be the event to kick-off an incredible summer for British boxing.”

Lawal (17-0, 11 KO’s) and Chamberlain (14-2, 8 KO’s) are also confirmed for the May 27th card, with British champion Lawal defending his title in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. 

Chamberlain’s previous ‘Fight of the Year’ visit to Bournemouth has endeared him to local fans and may make him an honorary local fighter for this title fight against the undefeated Lawal.

Pre-register for tickets now at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

LAS VEGAS (April 4, 2023) — Two high-stakes matchups will be featured on the Top Rank on ESPN+ PPVundercard headlined by the undisputed lightweight showdown between Devin “The Dream” Haney and Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko on Saturday, May 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature will see former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez taking on Adam “BluNose” Lopez in a rematch of their 2019 battle.
 
In the PPV opener, rising lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla takes a big step up in competition versus big-punching Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila in a 10-round clash. 
 
Haney vs. Lomachenko will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $59.99 across all distributors.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $104, plus applicable service charges, are on sale now at axs.com.
 
Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico, represented his country in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he captured the WBO featherweight world title against Matias Rueda in 2016 and made six defenses. In 2019, he fought Lopez in his first fight at junior lightweight, rising off the canvas before stopping him in controversial fashion in the seventh round. Valdez would go on to defeat Jayson Velez before scoring a stunning 10^th-round knockout over Miguel Berchelt to capture the WBC junior lightweight title. The 32-year-old suffered his first defeat in a unification fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena against Shakur Stevenson last April, and a year later, he is ready for another run at a 130-pound title.
 
Valdez said, “I feel very happy to finally be returning to the place where I most like to be, which is inside the ring, after a one-year absence from boxing. I feel happy to finally be returning. I am very motivated, more than ever, to continue my dream to once again become a world champion. That is my goal this year. 
 
“In order to do that, I have to get past this obstacle, which is not going to be easy. I’m going to be facing someone that I fought in 2019 in Adam Lopez, an experienced opponent who even sent me to the canvas in the early rounds of our first fight. I cannot take him lightly, and that’s making me train harder now. I have to get past this fight to be able to fight the current champion, Emanuel ‘El Vaquero’ Navarrete.”
 
Lopez (16-4, 6 KOs) is a 26-year-old native of Glendale, California, who has the sport in his bloodline. His father, the late Hector Lopez, captured a silver medal for Team Mexico at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Lopez earned a Top Rank contract with his off-the-canvas knockout victory over Jean Carlos Rivera in May 2019. Following the Rivera victory, he fought Valdez on a day’s notice after Valdez’s original opponent was more than 10 pounds overweight. Lopez is 3-2 with a no contest since the first Valdez fight, including hard-fought decision victories over Louie Coria and Jason Sanchez.
 
Lopez said, “He should have picked someone else. He barely got away the first time around. This time, it will be clear that I’m the better fighter. I’m coming to get mine back May 20.”
 
Muratalla (17-0, 14 KOs) is the latest standout to come out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. He debuted in 2016 in Mexico and made his U.S. debut in 2018. Muratalla has stopped 12 of his last 13 opponents and shined at the MGM Grand Garden Arena last April with a third round stoppage over Jeremy Hill. The native of Fontana, California, returns less than two months since his ninth-round knockout win over Humberto Galindo in March. Muratalla survived a first-round knockdown to dominate Galindo.
 
“This is my time. This is my moment,” Muratalla said. “I’ve been asking for this fight for a long time, and I am thrilled it’s taking place on such a significant card. Nakathila is a dangerous fighter, but that will only fuel me to put on a sensational performance.”
 
Nakathila (23-2, 19 KOs) is a 32-year-old former title challenger from the South African country of Namibia. He made his pro debut in 2013 and went 11-0 in his home country before traveling to Russia to face Evgeny Chuprakov in his first regional title opportunity. Following his first loss, the hard-hitting Nakathila bounced back with 10 knockout wins before securing a shot at Shakur Stevenson for the interm WBO title at 130 pounds. Nakathila is coming off two stoppage victories, including a brutal sixth-round demolition over Berchelt.
 
Nakathila said, “I’m excited to return to Las Vegas to give Muratalla a boxing lesson he will never forget. The experience will be valuable for his career, though, and I hope he is ready because I have every intention of taking care of business just like I did the last time I was there. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m happy to be back in the ring again on such an attractive card.”

INDIO, CA (April 4, 2023) – The fight card has been finalized for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN scheduled to return on Thursday, April 6 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The event will feature former World Champion Angel “Tito” Acosta (23-3, 22 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico measuring up against Caracas, Venezuela’s Angelino “Huracán” Cordova (17-0-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight bout. The action will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m

Tickets for Acosta vs. Cordova are still on sale for $65, $55, $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

In the co-main event, San Diego’s Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez (5-0, 4 KOs) will participate in a six-round featherweight fight against Alberto “Pupo” Nieves (4-2-1, 2 KOs) of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Chavez is returning to the ring after a stellar first-round knockout win against Bryan Perez on March 18 that saw Perez almost fly through the ropes. 

On the DAZN broadcast and in a four-round super welterweight fight, Coachella’s Grant Flores (1-0, 1 KO) will face Juan Herrera (0-1-1) of Tijuana, Mexico. Flores made a grand entrance in February with a phenomenal knockout victory in his hometown, and will be looking to impress yet again against Herrera. Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (4-0, 3 KOs) of Westminster, Colorado will return to the ring in a four-round super featherweight fight against Sao Paulo, Brazil’s Aldimar Silva (22-22, 14 KOs).

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Cathedral City’s Leonardo “Bazooka” Sanchez (3-0, 2 KOs) will be matched up against Mychaquell Shields (0-1) of Alpine in a four-round super featherweight fight. Kicking off fight night, Victorville’s Daniel Luna (1-0, 1 KO) will be looking to add another impressive win in a scheduled four-round lightweight fight against Tipitapa, Nicaragua’s Giovanni Gutierrez (11-4-1, 6 KOs). 

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight

IN A CRUISERWEIGHT CRACKER, the undefeated Ellis Zorro will fight for the vacant WBO European title against former British champion Hosea Burton at York Hall on Friday May 12, live on BT Sport from 7:30pm.

Tickets for the Zorro vs Burton at York Hall on Friday, 12 May are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

Also, at light heavyweight, Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna returns to London to defend the WBC International title he won in January when he takes on Willy Hutchinson, who is bidding for a maiden title at the weight

Light heavyweight Karol Itauma (9-1, 7 KOs) will look to get back to winning ways in eight-round action following his Wembley defeat to Maderna, with Southampton snapper Ryan Garner (12-0, 6) returning to the ring over six rounds, along with formidable Polish cruiserweight Michal Soczynski (5-0, 2) and welterweight prospects Sean Noakes (4-0, 2) and George Davey (6-0-1, 1).

“I think Ellis Zorro going up against Hosea Burton is a terrific fight and one that can catapult Ellis right into the thick of the cruiserweight mix if he is successful,” said promoter Frank Warren. “It is a real 50-50 because Hosea is a rejuvenated force now he has stepped up from light heavyweight.

“I am also looking forward to seeing Willy Hutchinson come of age at light heavyweight  and make good on his obvious potential against a quality opponent who we know all about. The same goes for Ryan Garner, who is back in the ring after missing out for much of last year through no fault of his own. Ryan remains a top quality operator and just needs to crack on now and get in some big fights.”

Boxxer cruiserweight tournament winner Zorro (15-0, 6) returned to traditional action with a hard-fought points triumph over Dec Spelman in September of last year and now bids for a maiden professional title belt.

Burton (28-3, 12) jumped up to cruiserweight after being defeated by Dan Azeez in a British title challenge in November 2021. The 34-year-old became British champion in 2016 via a stoppage of Miles Shinkwin and previously challenged for the WBO European title.

Hutchinson (15-1, 11) has clocked up two impressive stoppage victories since returning to light heavyweight after making an unsuccessful tilt at the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Lennox Clarke in 2021.

The experienced Maderna (29-10, 19) stopped Itauma via a big right at Wembley Arena to win the vacant WBC International belt, with the Argentinean having previously come up against the likes of Artur Beterbiev, Jose Uzcategui and Fedor Chudinov.

Tickets for the York Hall cracker on Friday, 12 May are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

LAS VEGAS – April 3, 2023 – Three intriguing pay-per-view matchups featuring knockout artists and rising stars will precede three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ 12-round super fight with hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia in a SHOWTIME PPV production on Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Ghana’s Sena Agbeko in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The telecast is being produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will be available across pay-per-view providers including DAZN PPV.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (8-0, 7 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene . The 25-year-old captured an interim title by dominating then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, added two dominant knockout victories in 2022 as he stopped Kalvin Henderson in June before a 12th-round TKO of the previously unbeaten Aidos Yerbossynuly in November. 

“I’m very excited to be the co-main event of this incredible night for boxing,” said Morrell. “’Tank’ Davis is one of the sport’s biggest superstars and my aspiration is to one day be on the Mount Rushmore of boxing next to him. On April 22 I’m going to dispatch my opponent in sensational fashion. And after this fight I want the ‘Mexican Monster’ David Benavidez, but first I have to get past a tough and very capable opponent in Agbeko. I intend to take care of my business on April 22 and then look forward to taking on David Benavidez in a fight that the fans want to see.” 

Originally from Ghana and now fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Agbeko (27-2, 21 KOs) enters this fight having won his last four contests and 12 of his last 13. The 31-year-old won three times in 2022, including most recently earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Isaiah Steen last October on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®. The only blemish on Agbeko’s record since 2014 is a decision loss in 2021 against top 168-pound contender Vladimir Shishkin.

“I’m very thankful to my entire team for this incredible opportunity to fight for the title,” said Agbeko. “This is a stern test against one of the best super middleweights in the world in the co-main event of the biggest fight of the year. This is an opportunity that I relish greatly and is exactly how I envisioned winning the belt. I’ve had a long journey to get to this point, but I’ve always trained like a guy with a target on my back. I want to win the belt and be the fighter that everyone is going after. I have a great team behind me and I can’t wait to properly introduce myself to the boxing world on April 22.”

Having faced a deep and extensive list of champions and top fighters throughout his career, the always exciting Rosado (26-16, 15 KOs) will look to repeat his 2021 highlight-reel KO against Melikuziev in one of the year’s biggest surprises when they meet on April 22. The Philadelphia native has gone toe-to-toe with current and former champions Jermell Charlo, Gennadiy Golovkin, Peter Quillin, David Lemieux, Joshua Clottey, Daniel Jacobs and Jaime Munguia in a pro career that dates back to 2006.

“It was tough having the fight against ‘Zurdo’ canceled, but now it’s me versus Bek on the biggest fight card of the year,” said Rosado. “I’m focused and ready to put Bek back in check. I look forward to being part of a historical fight card, and I plan on dominating ‘The Bully’ once again!”

The 26-year-old Melikuziev (11-1, 9 KOs) heads into April 22 seeking revenge from his 2021 defeat to Rosado and to extend his winning streak to five. Originally hailing from Uzbekistan and now residing in Indio, California, Melikuziev turned pro in 2019 after an impressive amateur career that included gold medals in the 2015 and 2017 Asian Championships. Melikuziev had knocked out six of his first seven pro opponents before running into Rosado’s right hand.

“This is the fight I wanted and the most important fight for me today,” said Melikuziev. “This is the fight to right the wrong. I am so lucky to make it on the biggest card of the year. I want to thank my team, my promoter, and of course, Rosado, for giving me this opportunity.”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (14-0, 12 KOs) earned a career-best victory in March, blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round on SHOWTIME^® to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 19-year-old had previously put together a four-win 2022 campaign capped by a second round KO of Cruse Stewart that streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing^® Facebook page. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this major pay-per-view event and I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Garcia. “After my last fight, I’ve been in the gym waiting for the time to showcase my skills yet again. I’m planning on putting on a great performance against Salgado on April 22. The main event is a great fight and ‘Tank’ is a beast, and Ryan is undefeated and talented and will be a tough test. But make sure you don’t miss my fight, because it’s going to be a Mexican war for all of the fans.”

A native of Mexico City, Salgado (15-1-1, 10 KOs) is the younger brother of former super featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado and now fights out of San Antonio, Texas. The 25-year-old turned pro in late 2016 and delivered knockouts in six of his first nine outings. After scoring three-straight knockouts between September 2019 and February 2021, Salgado returned to the ring in October 2021 to defeat Ricardo Banuelos Cernas by unanimous decision before fighting Bryant Perrella to a split-draw in his U.S. debut in April. Salgado bounced back from a September 2022 defeat to Joey Spencer by knocking out Gilberto Flores in the first round of their December 2022 clash.

“I know that I’m facing a good opponent, but I’m ready to surprise the boxing world,” said Salgado. “This is a great opportunity for me. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m coming to take full advantage of it. I’m feeling strong in training camp and I’ll be ready to test Garcia and see where he stacks up.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com and goldenboypromotions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @GoldenBoyBoxing, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotionss and @GoldenBoy or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing, www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/ and www.Facebook.com/goldenboy/

LOS ANGELES (April 3, 2023) – One of the most promising prospects in boxing, undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulghum (3-0, 3 KOs), is now a promotional free agent after parting ways with Disrupt Promotions which acquired several assets from Probellum.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, fighting out of Houston, signed with Probellum in late 2021, and made his pro debut December 16, 2021, stopping Juan Emmanuel Navarette Liera in the opening round. His last fight was August 10, 2022, in which he knocked out David Murray (10-3-1) in the second round on a show in Detroit.

“I am now a free agent,” Fulghum explained. “It was a great experience with Probellum and I will always appreciate and be grateful for the opportunities they provided me to start my professional journey. As I transition into my new journey, I can now focus on making my name in the super middleweight/light heavyweight division. I understand boxing is a business and I believe I can provide a lot of value to any promoter due to my marketable image in and outside the ring. I have always prided myself on being an exciting, talented fighter who fought at the highest level as an amateur. I won the National Golden Gloves, USA Trials and was a member of Team USA (#1 ranked heavyweight). And I fought outside my natural weight class as a heavyweight. To be clear, I can fight as a super middleweight or light heavyweight at the professional level. Needless to say, I am excited to embark on this new chapter of my professional career.”

Before turning professional, Fulghum was the No. 1-ranked heavyweight on Team USA but, similar to other fighters in his position during the time, he was forced to pivot from his childhood dream of fighting for Team USA in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo due to several delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am pumped for this new chapter of my life, and I feel like I’m starting all over again,” Fulghum remarked. “I had to get higher rankings in the amateurs and now I need to get into the pro rankings. It’s an interesting process.”

Fulghum is now working with 3 Point Management (3PM) out of Los Angeles, California. Darius’ new stablemates include former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), WBA NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

As one of few active professional boxers who has a college degree, Fulghum put his boxing career on hold to attend Prairie View A & M University, where he graduated with a degree in nursing. Now, he has gone a complete 180-degrees, where he has put his nursing career on hold to pursue boxing to the fullest.

“I keep an active nursing degree,” he explained, “but I’m all-in on boxing. I’m a full-time boxer without any distractions or side things. There’s a possibility that I may get back into nursing someday, but I love boxing so much I think I’ll find other avenues in boxing after I retire from the ring. It’s hard to say with so many years ahead of me, but I may try commentating or something else. I don’t see myself leaving boxing when my career ends and want to give back to the sport that has provided me with so many extraordinary experiences and opportunities in and outside the ring.

“I remember seeing a fantasy boxing list with the best fighters of all-time. I want my name on that list. More than world championships of Halls of Fame, I want to leave my legacy to where people say, ‘Darius was the man’ back then. It’s important for me to leave behind my legacy. I want my name with legendary fighters. I think about that a lot and how I’m going to make it happen.”

Boxing while he attended college was a challenge, to say the least, but Fulghum made the most of the situation.

“Nursing is one of the hardest schools,” he concluded. “Boxing wasn’t my focus then, but it is now and I’m going to see what heights I can make in boxing. I have the talent, skill set and marketability that, I believe, I can bring a lot of value to any promotions.”

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum

(April 3, 2023) — Featherweight contender Ruben “Drac” Villa, the 25-year-old southpaw dynamo from Salinas, California, has inked a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank. Villa will make his long-awaited ring return in an eight-rounder Saturday, May 13, on the undercard of the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Steven Butler WBO middleweight title fight at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
“Ruben Villa has everything it takes to become a world champion,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s a young, talented southpaw who has already tested himself at the sport’s highest level. His future is very bright.”
 
Villa said, “I have always dreamed of fighting on ESPN consistently and being with Top Rank to make the big fights. I want to win a world title and to do it as soon as possible. I look forward to fighting in Stockton, where my hometown fans will be out in full force.”
 
“Villa will be a world champion very soon,” said Rick Mirigian, Villa’s manager. “This partnership was the perfect fit, and we thank Top Rank for a tremendous deal for Ruben to prove he belongs with the top featherweights.”
 
Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2016 and captured the WBO International featherweight strap in May 2019 with a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez, who is now the IBF featherweight world champion. Four months after toppling Lopez, he pitched a shutout over top Mexican contender Jose Enrique Vivas. Those victories helped earn him a shot at Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO featherweight world title in October 2020. Navarrete dropped Villa in the first and fourth rounds, but Villa outboxed Navarrete for long stretches. The two knockdowns were critical, as Navarrete notched a unanimous decision by scores of 114-112 2x and 115-111. Villa has fought once since the Navarrete loss, knocking out Horacio Garcia in the ninth round last April.

ONTARIO, CA (April 3, 2023) – Super featherweight rising prospect, George “El Yuyu” Acosta (14-1, 2 KO), of Whittier, Ca, will return to the ring against

? Blas Ezequiel Caro (9-5, 4 KOs) of Rosario, Argentina. The 8-round bout will serve as the main event on Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card. In the 8-round featherweight co-main event, Rigoberto Hermosillo (12-4-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, will square off against Walter Santibanes (11-2, 2 KOs), of Phoenix, AZ.

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, April 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50,

$75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google.

“Staying busy is a blessing and I’m happy to be returning to the ring for the second time this year,” said George Acosta, who is on a seven fight winning streak. “I have big plans to make a nice run this year and I know a win will keep me on track. I’m going to put on a great show for all my hometown fans who will be in attendance.”

“I always put on a good show and I will be more than ready for Acosta,” Caro stated from his training camp in Argentina. “I’ve seen Acosta fight and I see a lot of flaws in his style, he is not as strong as I am and I’ll be coming into this fight in great shape. I’m going to stop him if I get him hurt, that you can bet on.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Lightweight Ruben Islas (6-1, 5 KOs) of Rialto, CA, will take on Francisco Duque (1-2), of Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Super featherweight Anthony Chavez (9-3-1, 3 KOs), of Redlands, CA, will look to take out battle tested veteran Dihul Olguin (15-30-5, 10 KOs), of of Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Opening the card will be a welterweight bout featuring Kevin Sagado (1-1) of Murrieta, CA, battling Steven Walker (Pro Debut), of Lancaster, CA. (4-rounds).

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer.

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, Los Angeles’ only luxury casino; Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

“New Blood” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebookand

 YouTube pages.

For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

By Mario Ortega Jr. (Ringside)-

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Tough journeyman Diuhl Olguin held unbeaten local featherweight William Villa to a split decision draw in the six-round main event to cap an eight-fight card at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Saturday night. 

The much shorter Olguin (15-30-6, 10 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico gave Villa (6-0-1) Sacramento problems by getting inside the younger fighter’s long reach. Olguin’s lack of height actually proved to be a benefit, as his ducking posture helped to lead some punches thrown by Villa, 127 ½, to stray to the backside of his head, prompting warnings from referee Edward Collantes. 

Despite his many fights, Olguin, 127, proved to still have tread on his tires as he maintained a steady pace for the six rounds and his conditioning proved to be every bit as strong as that of the younger Villa. The Sacramento native was unable to keep the Mexican veteran at the end of his jab and keep the distance he needed to give his long arms room to land effectively. What resulted was a hard-to-score inside fight for the six rounds. 

In the end, the official scoring was wide in range. Judge Michael Margado had the bout for Villa, 58-56, while Judge Phil DiSousa scored it 59-55 for Olguin and Judge Brian Tsukamoto scored the bout 57-57 even. 

Olguin holds a deceiving record, given the long list of undefeated prospects he has been matched with throughout his career. Villa, who ended an eighteen month layoff, took the fight on less than one week’s notice, taking the place of injured Malikai Johnson. “Machine Gun” Johnson addressed his fanbase on Saturday night, vowing to return to the ring after being sidelined with an eye injury that required surgery earlier in the week.

Another local favorite returning to the ring after a long layoff on Saturday, Ruben Torres (5-2, 1 KO) of Sacramento scored a workmanlike four-round unanimous decision over a game opponent in Luis Garcia (3-2, 1 KO) of San Diego, California. 

Torres, 155, outworked and outlanded the forward-moving Garcia, 156, for much of the bout. Despite lopsided announced scores of 40-35, 40-36 and 39-37 for Torres, the fight was fairly competitive as the Sacramento native worked off a bit of ring rust early in the bout. 

Super bantamweight prospect Irving Xilohua (5-0, 3 KOs) of Stockton, California continued to impress with a one-punch, second-round knockout of Phillip Ramirez (0-1) of Sacramento.

After a measured first round Xilohua, 123, landed a picture-perfect straight right hand from distance that dropped Ramirez, 123, to the canvas. Referee Edward Collantes immediately called a halt to the bout at the 1:33 mark of round two. 

Julian Bridges (3-0, 2 KOs) of Antioch, California outboxed Milton Ramirez (1-1) of Sacramento en route to an exciting four-round unanimous decision.

Both Bridges, 140 ¼, and Ramirez, 140, took turns switching from southpaw and orthodox and back over the four rounds. Bridges’ edge in reach and offensive output led to a sweep of the judges’ cards, 40-36. 

In a four-round slugfest from start to finish, Mario Alexander (0-1) of Sparks, Nevada appeared to have spoiled the professional debut of Sacramento’s Terrell Glynn (1-0), but the three official scorers wound up seeing it the other way, to the dismay of many of the patrons on hand.

The shorter Alexander, 177, set the distance from the first bell, negating the long reach of the lanky Glynn, 177. Neither fighter may have thrown a jab but the power punches landed with great regularity throughout. 

Hernandez, who had a large contingent of supporters in the building, looked to have held an edge in hard landed punches, but came up short on the cards 39-37 three times. 

Josias Gonzalez (1-1) of Whittier, California by way of Jalisco, Jalisco, Mexico outworked Aaron Cadena (0-1) of Sacramento over four rounds en route to unanimous decision. Cadena, 153, tried his best to keep pace, but Gonzalez, 153 ½, was the more aggressive and harder puncher throughout, sweeping all three cards, 40-36.

In amateur kickboxing action, Alberto Montano of Sacramento took a three-round unanimous decision over Yusuf Kamara of Antioch and Ermias Jones of Sacramento scored a three-round decision over Everett Alanis of Sacramento to open the evening.

Upper Cut Promotions, promoter of Saturday night’s card, will bring their next event to the Gold Country Casino Resort in Oroville, California on May 27th. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY– Abella Boxing Promotions rose to the occasion once again with a phenomenal fight show this past Saturday night April 1 – Bergen County Fight Night 3 at The Terrace at Biagio in Paramus, New Jersey. The event was completely sold out as over 600 were in attendance.

“Shows like this are the backbone of the sport,” promoter Scott Abella said.

The fight card was aired on Bergen Audio Visual with Anthony Johnson from ABC 7 Sports and Eye Witness News on the broadcast as well as senior boxing columnist Rich Mancuso and pro-fighter John “Bodyshot” Leonardo (9-1-1, 4 KO), of Manalapan, New Jersey. Additionally, Rebecca Ruber, host of the Inside the Ropes Podcast, provided commentary with post-fight interviews.

On behalf of Abella Boxing Promotions, we appreciate your coverage on Bergen County Fight Night 3. Thank You.

Provided below are the official results of Bergen County Fight Night 3 including updated records, judges and referee of each bout, a brief bout recap, and more.

Nicky Vitone (9-2-1, 7 KO) vs. Jordan Rosario (5-10-0, 1 KO) – 143 lbs – 6 rounds
JUDGES: Jacklyn Atkins, Anthony Lundy, Ronald McNair
REFEREE: Sparkle Lee
RESULTS: Rosario beat Vitone by TKO in the 6th Round

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: The Rematch and main event of Vitone-Rosario lived up to the hype and anticipation. As Vitone seeked redemption, displaying the heart of a warrior, Rosario unleashed his force, and came out the better fighter. Rosario achieved two knockdowns on Vitone to cap off the first knockout win of his pro-career. Referee Sparkle Lee ended the bout in the sixth round at the 2:11 mark.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’m just gonna dwell on it and continue to build and do better and better in each and every fight that I can,” said Rosario.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Jordan Rosario: Jersey City, New Jersey
Nicky Vitone: Pine Brook, New Jersey

Mike Lee (10-2-0, 7 KO) vs. Antonio Sanchez (7-17-3, 3 KO) – 147 lbs – 6 rounds
JUDGES: Steven Weisfeld, Jacklyn Atkins, Anthony Lundy
REFEREE: Sparkle Lee
RESULTS: Lee defeated Sanchez by unanimous decision – Judges scoring 58-56 and another at 59-55

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: In a ferocious welterweight bout, Lee and Sanchez fought till the bitter end. Lee held control in the early stages with speed and agility, however; Sanchez powered through, making for a thrilling finish as both connected on several combinations, landing the other on the ropes. Lee was deemed the winner by unanimous decision with two judges scoring 58-56 and another at 59-55.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Mike Lee: Jersey City, New Jersey
Antonio Sanchez: Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

Raymond Cuadrado (6-0-0, 2 KO) vs. Usiel Hernandez (2-2-0) – 135 lbs – 6 rounds
JUDGES: Ronald McNair, Steven Weisfeld, Jacklyn Atkins
REFEREE: Ricardo Vera
RESULTS: Cuadrado beat Hernandez by TKO in 3rd Round

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: “The Scientist,” Cuadrado, displayed dynamic versatility with an abundance of body shots to finish off Hernandez by TKO in the third round at the 2:55 mark (referee stoppage). While he picked up his second knockout victory in his pro-career to remain undefeated, Saturday also marked Cuadrado’s first bout of six-rounds. Cuadrado’s next bout is scheduled for May 20th in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Raymond Cuadrado: Ridgewood, Queens, New York
Usiel Hernandez: Acapulco, Mexico

Christian Otero (5-3-0, 2 KO) vs. Vinnie Denierio (3-8-0, 1 KO) – 135 lbs – 4 rounds
JUDGES: Anthony Lundy, Ronald McNair, Steven Weisfeld
REFEREE: Ricardo Vera
RESULTS: Otero defeated by Denierio by unanimous decision – Judges scored 40-36

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: Christian Otero looked to weather the storm on Saturday, as he entered his bout against Vinnie Denierio on a three-fight losing streak. Otero imposed his will with a selective and decisive mindset, though Denierio surged back with lethal combinations. Throughout the bout, Denierio suffered a cut over his right eye. All three judges scored 40-36 in favor of Otero.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Christian Otero: Harlem, New York
Vinnie Denierio: Elmira, New York

Dane Guerrero (0-0-1) vs. Andre Hinmon (0-2-1) – 165 lbs – 4 rounds
JUDGES: Jacklyn Atkins, Anthony Lundy, Ronald McNair
REFEREE: Mary Glover
RESULTS: Split Decision Draw – 39-37 for each corner, 38-38

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: Dane Guerrero and Andre Hinmon had themselves a monumental fight in Bergen County Fight Night 3. Hinmon began the bout on an aggressive note, throwing a superb amount of quick jabs while Guerrero kept his ease. As the third round ran its course, Guerrero, who was making his pro-debut, picked up on his opportunities and was able to grab momentum. Two judges marked the bout 39-37 for each corner, the third judge scored the fight: 38-38 resulting in a draw.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Dane Guerrero: Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
Andre Hinmon: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kevin Hernandez (1-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Elijah Muhammad Ogun (0-4-0) – 152 lbs – 4 rounds
JUDGES: Steven Weisfeld, Jacklyn Atkins, Anthony Lundy
REFEREE: Mary Glover
RESULTS: Hernandez beat Ogun by TKO after 1st Round

Image Credit: David Algranati – @thefightphotos

BOUT RECAP: In the first bout of the night, Kevin Hernandez, a student at Columbia University in New York City, raged with bolts of energy against Elijah Muhammad Ogun. Following the first round, referee Mary Glover ended the bout, due to a cut over Ogun’s right eye. This marked Hernandez’s first bout in nearly six years, to go along with his first pro-victory and knockout.

“This was supposed to be a retirement fight but you know boxing, it’s like a drug,” said Hernandez.

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz

Kevin Hernandez: Bergenfield, New Jersey
Elijah Muhammad Ogun: Jersey City, New Jersey

On behalf of Abella Boxing Promotions, we appreciate your coverage on Bergen County Fight Night 3. Thank You.

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MILWAUKEE – April 2, 2023 – Former UFC and WEC world champion Anthony Pettis (1-0, 0 KOs) defeated Boxing Hall of Fame member Roy Jones Jr. (66-10, 47 KOs) by majority decision (76-76, 77-75 and 78-74) in the main event of Gamebred Boxing 4 live on pay-per-view from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. in an event presented by Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing.

Pettis, a native of Milwaukee who was making his professional boxing debut, managed to pull out the victory with the backing of his hometown fans. The eight-round heavyweight clash showcased some exhilarating back and forth action between the pair of pugilists, with Jones Jr. using his decades of experience and angles to get the best of Pettis at times. But Pettis proved a more than worthy opponent and did enough to get the win on two of the judges’ scorecards.

“Man, he’s 54 years old, but you’ve got to give it up for this guy,” said Pettis. “He’s a legend in the sport, a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Praise God for allowing me to get this opportunity. Give it up for Roy Jones Jr., man.

“I’m going to take it one fight at a time, take it day by day,” continued Pettis. “I’m 1-0 as a pro and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Jones Jr. said, “For me, I like to come in and entertain the fans. My job is to come in and make sure that the fans get what they paid for, and I’m all good with that. I think it was a good fight. He did a great job and fought a very smart fight. I think I educated him and taught him a lot in this fight. So I think if I fought him again it would be even better because he knows a lot more now. I think it would be a really good rematch.

“I don’t do exhibitions, I fight real fights,” added Jones Jr. “I’m not an exhibition guy, I’m a real guy. I want to win, or I want to lose. But I’m going to go out on my shield, and I want to be able to do it again as many times as I want to. At 54 years old, that’s a beautiful thing, and he already said he’d do it again because one judge had it even. So that’s what I love.”

Pettis concluded things, adding, “I would love to do it again. Let’s go. It would be an honor, bro.”

In the co-main event, former UFC and Cage Rage world light heavyweight champion Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (2-0, 1 KO) made his second professional boxing appearance in a six-round heavyweight battle against debuting fellow Brazilian and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (0-1, 0 KOs). Souza holds an MMA victory over Belfort, but Belfort jumped out to an early lead in their boxing contest, knocking Souza down twice in the third frame. Belfort tried to finish Souza early, but Souza was able to survive and made it to the bell.

Souza, showing the heart of a former champion, had strong fourth and fifth rounds. Belfort rocked Souza again in the final stanza, and although Souza was able to survive until the final bell, Belfort pulled away with the unanimous decision (57-55 and 58-54 twice) victory.

All-time great UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo faced former top UFC contender Jeremy Stephens in a six-round welterweight affair with Aldo entering a professional boxing ring for the second time and Stephens making his professional boxing debut. The pair first met five years ago in an entertaining MMA struggle won by Aldo that garnered him “Performance of the Night.”

In the squared circle, Aldo and Stephens showed signs of far more experienced boxers, giving the fight fans and judges a very evenly matched contest that resulted in a majority draw (58-56 for Aldo and 57-57 twice).

“Jeremy is a tough guy,” said Aldo. “I was very prepared for this fight. This is my second professional boxing fight, and Jeremy is really tough. But I think I did enough to win this fight. I was blocking a lot of his punches, and my corner was telling me I won the fight. So I don’t really understand. I need to go back to my house, see the fight and then train more for the next one.”

Stephens said, “Much respect to Jose Aldo. You know, I’m a big fan of this guy. I watched this guy growing up. He’s put it down for MMA. And it’s an honor to come here, close to the Midwest. Iowa, are you in the house, or what, baby?

“Let’s run it back for number three,” continued Stephens. “This guy is a legend. We put it down tonight, gave you guys a show. That’s what it is!”

Milwaukee’s own undefeated former NABF champion and rising contender Luis Feliciano (17-0, 8 KOs) defeated an extremely durable and game Clarence Booth (21-8, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision (78-74, 77-75 and 79-73) in an exciting eight-round super lightweight bout. With the hometown crowd behind him, Feliciano served up a dazzling performance, working the body and landing some thudding headshots on Booth, who refused to back down. And although the experienced Booth was coming on in the second half of the bout, Feliciano’s early lead proved insurmountable.

Undefeated rising super featherweight prospect Devin Cushing (13-0, 10 KOs) remained unbeaten, stopping the veteran Damian Marchiano (18-12-1, 7 KOs) by technical knockout. In a bout that was scheduled for six rounds, the flashy, slick Cushing used his jab and combinations to outland and outclass Marchiano en route to an easy stoppage win. Late in the third frame, Cushing landed a big right hand followed by a left that floored Marchiano. Marchiano got up in time, but referee Dave Smith had seen enough, deemed Marchiano unable to continue and stopped the fight at the 2:59 mark of the third round.

In an extremely spirited and competitive six-round featherweight bout, Pearl Gonzalez and Gina Mazany squared off in the center of the ring with Mazany cutting Gonzalez over her right eye near the end of round one. Gonzalez was able to weather the cut, and in a rock ‘em sock ‘em back-and-forth contest that saw both women landing some very heavy shots, it was Mazany that emerged victorious by majority decision (57-57, 59-55 and 58-56).

The second bout on the pay-per-view portion of the fight card featured heavyweights Dillon Cleckler and Joshua Burns going toe-to-toe with Cleckler defeating Burns by technical knockout. Cleckler caught Burns with a right hand that dropped burns early in the first round. Burns made it to his feet to continue, but Cleckler swarmed Burns and quickly landed several more flush right hands, sending Burns to the canvas for a second and final time. Referee Benjy Esteves Jr. called a stop to the action 1:20 into round one of their scheduled six-round fight.

In the pay-per-view opener, Bi Nguyen defeated Andy Nguyen by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring their four-round bantamweight contest 39-37.

#         #         #

ABOUT GAMEBRED BOXING

For more information on Gamebred Boxing visit www.gamebredboxing.com, and follow on Twitter @Gamebredboxing, on Instagram @GamebredBoxingPromotions and on their YouTube Channel.

Tampa, FL (April 1, 2023) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle will defend his NABA middleweight championship against Fernando Ezequiel Farias Saturday, April 29 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg, FL.

Representing Derry, Northern Ireland, Coyle’s a perfect 18-0 with 8 wins by knckout. He won the NABA title last May and successfully defended his belt by scoring a 7^th round stoppage of Sladan Janjanin this past December. Ranked #4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Coyle has world title aspirations but must first take care of business on April 29.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Farias’ professional ledger is 10-2-2 with 4 wins by KO. Farias stopped previously unbeaten Aldo Javier Villalba while also battling Timur Kerefov and Yamaguchi Falcao.

The ten round Coyle-Farias bout headlines Reyes Fire Fist Boxing’s “Fire on the Bay.” Tickets are on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fire-on-the-bay-tickets-556587025777. Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7 pm. The card will also be broadcast live on Reyesboxingtv.com.

In the co-main event, junior welterweights Joseph Fernandez of St. Petersburg, FL and Taunton, MA’s Marqus Bates will meet for the vacant NABA title. The winner of the ten round contest between Fernandez, 15-5-3 (5 KO’s), and Bates, 11-5 (8 KO’s), will move up the ranks significantly.

Lightweight contender Willian “Babyface” Silva of Brazil meets veteran Diego Gonzalo Luque in an eight round affair. Silva, 29-4 (17 KO’s), viciously stopped Carlos Gaston Suarez last October in Lowell, MA. Luque, who hails from Argentina, faced a number of top fighters including Jack Catterall, Mikael Zewski, Ghislain Maduma, Diego Ramirez, Mark Davis, and Brandun Lee among others.

Rugged welterweight Rodrigo Coria, 10-5 (2 KO’s), challenges 34 fight veteran and fellow Argentine Marcelo Fabian Bzowski in a six rounder. On January 14, Coria nearly upset unbeaten and highly touted Brian Norman Jr.

Hard hitting junior middleweight Khiry “TNT” Todd of Lynn, MA will share the squared circle with veteran Sergio Samuel Castellano over six rounds. Todd, 11-1 (9 KO’s), knocked out his last four opponents including three in the opening round.

Light heavyweight knockout artist Imran Haddabah, 8-0 (6 KO’s), will battle an opponent to be named. The popular St. Petersburg native is slated to fight in his first eight rounder.

Unbeaten lightweight prospect Gabriel Morales, 6-0 (3 KO’s), junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli, 5-0 (2 KO’s) and junior welterweight Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti, 9-4 (3 KO’s) will all face opponents to be announced.

Rounding out the card is a four round light heavyweight tilt between Clearwater, FL’s Mike Misa, 3-0 (2 KO’s), against 1-0 Russ Kimber of Massachusetts.

“I’m very pleased with how this card has come together,” said Mike Reyes of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Connor has some big things in place if everything goes as planned against Farias on the 29^th and whoever wins the Fernandez-Bates contest will have a huge opportunity in the near future. We’re also bringing in some of our young fighters from the New England region and are matching them against very experienced opponents, so this has all the makings of a very solid card.”

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez can add the WBO Featherweight world title to hos trophy case as he won the title with a 12-rounds unanimous decision over former champion Isaac Dogboe at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ramirez landed 160 of 495 punches; Dogboe was 113 of 619.

Ramirez, 125.6 lbs of Cuba won by scores of 117-110, 118-109, 119-108 and is now 12-1. Dogboe, 124.2 lbs of Ghana is 24-3.

Ramirez said, “I’m living a new stage in my life. This is a new history that I’m writing, and I did everything I had to do. As an Olympian, I won two Olympic gold medals, and now I can call myself a champion.”

“All the respect to a warrior like Isaac Dogboe. He has my admiration, and all it took was me listening to this genius, Ismael Salas, because I did that, and he led me to victory.

“I believe things happened for a reason. If it wasn’t for that loss in my pro debut, I would have never ended up with Ismael Salas. Yordenis Ugas never would’ve told me, ‘You have to move to Vegas, you have to change your life,’ and I never would have gotten this team together to be where I am today.”

Dogboe said, “Let’s run it back. That’s all I have to say. He’s a great fighter.”

In round 12, Ramirez scored a knockdown when he landed a left hand while Dogboe was coming in and Dogboe hit the canvas.

Former world title challenger Joet Gonzalez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Enrique Vivas in a featherweight bout.

Gonzalez landed 271 of 646 punches; Vivas was 207 of 930.

Gonzalez, 126.2 lbs of Glendora, CA won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 26-3. Vivas, 126.2 ls of Texcoco, MEX is 22-3.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Nikloz Sekhnishvili in a junior middleweight bout.

In round four, Tucker was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

In round six, Sekhniashvili was cut on his face.

Tucker, 151.8 lbs of Deer Park, NY won by scores of 77-74 on all cards and is now 10-0. Sekhnishvili, 150.2 lbs of Gori, Georgia Republic is 8-2.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Fabio Maldonado in a heavyweight bout.

In round four, Milton was cut over his right eye from a headbutt.

Milton, 255.8 lbs of Tulsa, OK won by scores of 80-70 twice and 78-72 and is now 9-0, Maldonado 215.8 lbs of Sai Paulo, BRA is 29-7.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Alfonso Olvera in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 142.8 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 8-0. Olvera, 142.8 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 12-8-2.

Dante Benjamin Jr. remained undefeated with second round stoppage of Jasper McCargo III in a scheduled six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin dropped McCargo with a hard right uppercut to the jaw. Early in round two, Benjamin sent McCargo to the canvas with a left hook. Benjamin dropped McCargo for a third time as he landed a body shot while being held. Benjamin ended things by sending McCargo down again from a right to the top of the head at 2:58.

Benjamin, 175 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 6-0 with four knockouts. McCargo, 174.4 lbs of Richmond, CA is 4-4-2.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Edgar Livalle in round two of their four-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Vargas landed a right to the body that put Livalle down and the fight was over at 1:21

Vargas, 133 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-0 with three knockouts. Livalle, 132.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 2-4-2.

Good looking 18 year-old prospect Abdullah Mason stopped Erick Garcia Benitez in the opening round of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Mason dropped Benitez with a counter right hand and the fight was over at 1:32.

Mason, 135.2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 7-0 with six knockouts. Benitez, 135.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 4-2.

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Quiroz in a junior welterweight fight.

Polanco, 142.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 7-0. Quiroz, 142.6 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 12-2.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jermaine Franklin at The 02 Arena in London.

Joshua landed 117 of 376 punches. Franklin was 58 of 426.

Joshua won by scores of 118-111 and 117-111 twice and is now 25-3. Frankilin of Saginaw, MI is 21-2.

Fabio Wardley Stops Coffie in 4

Fabio Wardley stopped Michael Coffie in round four of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Wardley was bleeding from his nose. In round four, Wardley landed a hard right that backed Coffie up on the ropes. Wardley landed a big assault in the ropes and the referee stopped the bout (maybe a punch or two prematurely) at 45 seconds.

Wardley, 242.9 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Coffie, 269.4 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is 13-4.

Gala Yafai Stops Calleros in 4

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner Galal Yafai stopped former world title challenger Moises Calleros in round four of a 10-round flyweight bout.

Yafai dropped Calleros in round four, and the fight was stopped by the referee at

Yafai, 113.8 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 4-0 with three knockouts. Calleros, 114.2 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 36-11-1.

Campbell Hatton Stops Fielding in 1

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Louis Fielding in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight contest.

Hatton landed a perfect left hook to the rib area that put Fielding on the deck for the 10-count at 1:29. Fielding, 138.8 lb of Tamworth, ENG is 10-8.

Hatton, 139.12 lbs of Hyde, ENG is 11-0 with four knockouts.

Ammo Williams Stops Wilson-Bent in 8

Austin Williams remained undefeated with an eighth round stoppage over River Wilson-Bent in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

In round seven, Williams dropped Wilson-Bent with a straight left Wilson-Bent began to bleed over his right eye. In round eight, Williams continued the assault and the towel was thrown in at 1:01.

Williams, 162.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Wilson-Bent, 162.7 lbs of Coventry, ENG is 14-3-1.

John Hedges won a eight-round unanimous decision over Daniel Bocianski in a light heavyweight bou

Hedges, 189.14 lbs of Takely, ENG won by an 80-72 and is now 8-0. Bocianski, 186.4 lbs of Nowy Saczm POL is 11-3.

Ziyad Almaayouf won a four-round decision over Georgi Velichkov in a welterweight bout.

Almaayouf, 145.14 lbs of Saudi Arabia won by a 39-37 score and is now 3-0. Velchkov, 142.7 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 3-12.

Jordan Flynn remained undefeated with a hard fought eight-round decision over Kane Baker in a super featherweight bout.

Flynn, 129.10 lbs of Oxford, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 9-0. Baker, 129.8 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 18-10-1.

In a mild upset, Benoit Huber won a eight-round decision over Juergen Uldedaj in a heavyweight bout.

Huber, 200 lbs of Sjon, SWI won by a score of 77-75 and is now 9-3. Uldedaj, 203.8 lbs of Lezhe, ALB is 15-1.

Peter Kadiru stopped Alen Lauriolle after the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

Kadiru’s body work hurt Lauriolle’s ribs and the bout was stopped in between rounds.

kadiru, 239.3 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 15-1 with eight knockouts. Lauriolle, 273.2 lbs of Skopie, MAC is 6-2.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – With just a handful of days’ notice, undefeated featherweight William Villa will return to the ring for the first time in eighteen months to meet 50-fight veteran Diuhl Olguin in the six-round main event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Sacramento on Saturday fight. Fighters for the card weighed-in Friday afternoon at the venue.

Sacramento’s Villa (6-0) last fought in October 2021, scoring a four-round decision over Michael Mendez at the DoubleTree. Villa had been pegged to return in May on an Upper Cut Promotions-promoted card at the Gold Country Casino Resort in Oroville, California, but got the call to step-in on short notice just days ago. 

Olguin (15-30-5, 10 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico had originally signed to meet Sacramento featherweight prospect Malikai Johnson in Saturday’s main event. Johnson was ruled out with an eye injury that ultimately required surgery. Having gone the distance with a long list of unbeaten pros, Olguin figures to provide a litmus test for Villa. 

Olguin, who has gone eight rounds many times, scaled 127-pounds. Villa, scheduled for six-rounds for the first time, came in at 127 ½-pounds. 

Sacramento’s Ruben Torres returns to fight before his vocal following for the first time in three years in the four-round junior middleweight co-feature. Torres (4-2, 1 KO) will take on Luis Garcia (3-1, 1 KO) of San Diego, California. Torres is very familiar with the DoubleTree ring, as four of his six pro bouts have taken place at the venue. Garcia hopes to rebound from his lone pro defeat, which took place against mega prospect Callum Walsh last May. Torres weighed-in at 155-pounds, while Garcia scaled 156. 

Irving Xilohua (4-0, 2 KOs) of Stockton, California returns to the DoubleTree to take on debuting Phillip Ramirez of Sacramento in a four-round super bantamweight bout. Xilohua made his DoubleTree debut last May with a second-round stoppage and capped his 2022 campaign with back-to-back decision wins in his hometown. Xilohua and Ramirez both weighed-in at 123-pounds Friday. 

Julian Bridges (2-0, 2 KOs) of Antioch, California will take on Milton Ramirez (1-0) of Sacramento in a four-round light welterweight bout. Bridges came in at 140 ¼-pounds, while Ramirez made 140 even. 

Sacramento’s Terrell Glynn will meet Mario Alexander of Sparks, Nevada in a four-round light heavyweight bout. Both fighters are making their professional debut. Glynn and Alexander both weighed-in at 177-pounds. Glynn had been scheduled to meet debuting Matthew Monroe, who may await the winner in May at Gold Country Casino Resort, should the winner come out unscathed Saturday night. 

Aaron Cadena of Sacramento will make his professional debut against Josias Gonzalez (0-1) of Whittier, California in a four-round light middleweight contest. Cadena weighed-in at 153, while Gonzalez scaled 152 ¼-pounds. 

Two three-round amateur kickboxing bouts are also on the card. In a pairing of lightweights, Everett Alanis, 133, of Sacramento meets Ermias Jones, 136, of Sacramento to open the evening. Heavyweights Alberto Montano, 229, of Sacramento and Yusuf Kamara of Antioch meet later in the night. Fighters for the kickboxing portion will also weigh-in on the day of the show. 

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Featherweights, 6 Rounds

Villa 127 ½

Olguin 127

Light middleweights, 4 Rounds

Torres 155

Garcia 156

Bantamweights, 4 Rounds

Xilohua 123

Ramirez 123

Light welterweights, 4 Rounds

Bridges 140 ½ 

Ramirez 140

Light heavyweights, 4 Rounds

Glynn 177

Alexander 177

Light middleweights, 4 Rounds

Cadena 153

Gonzalez 152 ½ 

Tickets for the event, promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com

MILWAUKEE – March 31, 2023 – Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. and former UFC and WEC World Champion Anthony Pettis will meet in a six-round cruiserweight battle between combat sports legends this Saturday, April 1 headlining “Gamebred Boxing 4” live on pay-per-view from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, presented by Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing. Each main event participant gave their final thoughts at Friday’s weigh-in:

“With the skill-level I bring to the table, I can go anywhere and do anything any time I get ready,” said Jones. “I feel good and I’m glad to be here. We’re gonna put on a very good show tomorrow night…I’m too old to be playing around. I have to come and get it. When I come to get it, I’m the most entertaining thing you’ve ever seen in your life.”

“I’m blessed to be here,” said Pettis. “Milwaukee is my hometown and these are the people who made me. I’m fighting a legend tomorrow night, so make sure you check it out.”

The jam-packed card will also feature former UFC and Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort and fellow Brazilian and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who meet in a six-round cruiserweight battle, all-time great UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo and former MMA foe and top UFC contender Jeremy Stephens, who battle in a six-round welterweight affair, and former UFC contender Pearl Gonzalez and mixed martial artist turned social media star Gina Mazany, who battle in a six-round featherweight showdown.

The pay-per-view telecast will also include Milwaukee’s own undefeated former NABF Champion and rising contender Luis Feliciano taking on durable veteran Clarence Booth in an eight-round welterweight bout, and Florida’s undefeated Devin Cushing facing Argentine veteran Damian David Marchiano in a six-round super featherweight tussle. Kicking off the pay-per-view will be a six-round heavyweight battle between MMA and Bareknuckle fighter Dillon “Bad Boy” Cleckler and Bellator MMA and fellow bareknuckle competitor Josh “The Hammer” Burns.

See below for the fighters’ official weights from Friday’s weigh-in:

ROY JONES JR. VS. ANTHONY PETTIS

JONES JR.: 199.1 lbs

PETTIS: 198.5 lbs

VITOR BELFORT VS. RONALDO SOUZA

BELFORT – 200.9 lbs

SOUZA – 199.9 lbs

JOSE ALDO VS. JEREMY STEPHENS

ALDO – 148 lbs

STEPHENS – 146.9 lbs

LUIS FELICIANO VS. CLARENCE BOOTH

FELICIANO – 143.5 lbs

BOOTH – 144.8 lbs

DEVIN CUSHING VS. DAMIAN MARCHIANO

CUSHING – 131.6 lbs

MARCHIANO – 130 lbs

PEARL GONZALEZ VS. GINA MAZANY

GONZALEZ –125.7 lbs

MAZANY – 126.5 lbs

CECIL CLECKLER VS. JOSHUA BURNS

CLECKLER – 248.5 lbs

BURNS – 275.4 lbs

PRELIMINARY FIGHTS:

BI NGUYEN VS. ANDY NGUYEN – 4 Rounds, Bantamweights

B. NGUYEN – 119.6 lbs

A. NGUYEN – 120 lbs

JOE RIGGS VS. MARKUS PEREZ – 4 Rounds, Cruiserweights

RIGGS – 200.2 lbs

PEREZ – 199.8 lbs

MANDEEP JANGRA vs. RYAN REBER, 4 Rounds Lightweights

JANGRA – 133.9

REBER – 133.9

JAVIER ZAMARRON VS. ROBERTO ARMAS, 4 Rounds, Super Featherweights

ZAMARRON – 131 lbs

ARMAS – 130.8 lbs

CADE HOWELL VS. CHRISTOPHER WINGATE – 4 Rounds, Welterweights

HOWELL – 147.6 lbs

WINGATE – 148 lbs

DANIELLE WYNN VS. DANIELLE COHEN, 4 Rounds, Lightweights

WYNN – 135.4 lbs

COHEN – 134.7 lbs

By Norm Frauenheim –

Elijah Garcia, an emerging middleweight from Phoenix, will fight on the Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia card on April 22 against Kevin Salgado Zambrano, Garcia manager Anthony McDonald said.

Garcia (14-0, 12 KOs), who has dropped six of his last seven opponents, had announced on his web page that he would fight on the much-anticipated card on DAZN/Showtime pay-per-view at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. But it wasn’t clear who his opponent would be.

Garcia’s management had approached Shane Mosley Jr., son of Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley.

“He declined,’’ McDonald said.

Zambrano (15-1-1, 10 KOs) is a 25-year-old fighter, born in Mexico City and now living in San Antonio. He’s 1-1-1 over his last three bouts.

Zambrano’s lone loss is to Joey Spencer, who lost a seventh-round TKO to junior-middleweight prospect and fellow Arizona fighter Jesus Ramos March 25 on a card featuring Phoenix super-middleweight David Benavidez’ decision over Caleb Plant at Vegas’ MGM Grand.

The 19-year-old Garcia, who is coming off an attention-grabbing fourth-round stoppage of formerly unbeaten Amilcar Vidal on March 4, is just the latest in a promising generation of fighters with AZ roots. He wears 602, the Phoenix area code, on his waistband.